Decision details

The Chair introduced the item, invited speakers to address the meeting and responded to their points in turn.

The Chair stated that his job was to test the recommendations in the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) against Council policy and government guidance, not to rewrite the plan.

The Director of Environment and Highways suggested an amended recommendation (b) to give greater flexibility should issues arise regarding schemes having to be removed or inserted into the plan, as well as reflecting the scope of the role of the Cabinet Member in that process.

Officers confirmed that the amendment of existing bus services would have to be in agreement with the bus companies.

Officers noted that the approximate price per bus per bus route was £200,000.

The Chair noted the weight restrictions in place over Donnington Bridge and reflected that bridges across Oxfordshire needed repair but there was limited funding available.

The Chair was supportive of requests to publicise the MyBus ticket more prominently.

The Chair was pleased to see a coherent approach to enhancing the budget, based upon the principles outlined in the LTCP.

The Chair noted that a service from Reading to Sonning Common demonstrated good partnership working.

The Chair thanked County Councillors and members of the public for their engagement, which demonstrated the importance of bus services.

Officers confirmed that if any amendments were to be made, that decision would be brought back to a Delegated Decisions meeting.

The Chair thanked officers, speakers and agreed to recommendations as amended.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Approve the Oxfordshire Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Delivery Plan for 2025/26 and its submission to the Department for Transport; and

b)    Delegate authority to the Director of Environment & Highways to approve the implementation of individual projects contained in the BSIP Delivery Plan for 2025/26 and to make any changes in scope and funding across the approved programmes as needed to the programme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport Management.